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Ignite - Who Are We?

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Who Are We?

Who Are We?

Our Leadership Team

At its core, Ignite is an amazing and storied community of talented, versatile, and innovative people. Without the hard work, collaboration, and creative thinking of our leadership team, none of what we do would be possible!

Ignite director Ashley Sweeney poses with arms crossed in front of a wall of 3D printers

Ashley Sweeney '15, M'19, Director of Ignite

With 12 years of dedicated service at Clarkson, Ashley Sweeney brings seasoned leadership and vibrant energy to Ignite, steering its activities while inspiring and empowering others.
Clarkson Ignite program coordinator Demetrius Boone smiles for a headshot in front of a Clarkson logo step and repeat banner

Demetrius Boone '21, M'26, Program Coordinator

Part of the inaugural winning President’s Challenge team, Demetrius Boone’s experience at Clarkson provides him with important insight into leadership and achievement.
Clarkson student Miles Compani smiles at the camera while wearing a suit and tie

Miles Compani '23, M'25, PhD'26, Executive Fellow

As the very first Ignite Presidential Fellow, Miles Compani is celebrated for his remarkable talent for driving meaningful change and cultivating impactful opportunities for all.
Clarkson Ignite graduate fellow Kelsey Hamilton poses outside on a sunny day in front of trees while wearing a Clarkson athletics logo sweatshirt

Kelsey Hamilton '24, M'26, Graduate Fellow

Kelsey Hamilton draws on her Ignite Presidential Fellow experience while enhancing critical opportunities for students across campus.

Santino Martinelli headshot

Santino Martinelli '25, M'26, Professional Assistant

As Ignite's go-to guy on all things digital content creation and drones, Santino leverages his extensive expertise to drive innovation and success everywhere he goes.

Students carrying a banner promoting Clarkson Ignite

The Entire Ignite Family

At Ignite, leadership isn't about the role you hold, but rather your impact as an innovator and entrepreneur. That's why all members of the Ignite family play a key role in forging our path forward.

Outstanding Achievement

At Ignite, leadership isn’t just a action - it’s a natural outcome of the incredible talent within our family. That said, there’s nothing more rewarding than having our hard work recognized and celebrated in front of the entire Clarkson community, especially for our most dedicated members.

Each year, the Levinus Clarkson Award is presented to the top student of the graduating class. In 2024, this honor was earned by none other than Executive Fellow Miles Compani (E&M ‘23, MSEM ’25, EngSci P’26), who was recognized for his exceptional scholarship and outstanding potential for future success.

Hailing from the Capital Region, Miles is the go-to expert on all things Ignite. Whether overseeing Ignite Project Expo, RAPS, and Business Plan Competition events, guiding Ignite Presidential Fellows and Young Innovators & Entrepreneurs, or leading CUSTOM Lab, his influence is wide-ranging and transformative.

Now pursuing a PhD, Miles’ time at Clarkson has been defined by extraordinary leadership roles within a variety of organizations, including Ignite and the Honors Program. Beyond his impressive achievements, he’s known for unwavering reliability and genuine kindness at all times.

Miles’ advice for exceptional students interested in attending Clarkson? “Don’t be afraid to step outside the boundaries of your local community. By coming to campus, you’ll be joining a whole new world - a world where you can stand out like never before, and a world that will define the rest of your life.”

A Brief History

As students come and go, Clarkson evolves - and so does Ignite! Here’s your chance to learn a bit more about us over the years.

A table is filled with Clarkson Ignite water bottles of various colors

August 2017

Clarkson Ignite is launched as a forward-thinking integration of the innovation resources found across the Clarkson community.

Clarkson staff and students pose for a photo during an awards ceremony on a stage

April 2018

Immaterial Industries, a team of E&M freshmen, becomes the champion of the inaugural President’s Challenge.

A group of Clarkson students learn how to use tools in Clarkson's Makerspace on a table

March 2019

Containing only a few 3D printers, hand tools, and other creation equipment, the Dorf Makerspace opens its doors for public use.

Three Clarkson students test our Clarkson's media production center. One student uses a microphone, while another works on a computer and keyboard, and a third wears headphones.

August 2019

The Media Production Center, a state-of-the-art facility for all kinds of digital content creation, is launched in the ERC.

A group of Clarkson Ignite students post outside for a photo all wearing matching grey t-shirts with trees in the background

February 2020

Fifteen students are deemed the first class of Ignite Presidential Fellows, giving the full-tuition scholarship a strong start.

Students stand at a table and make houses out of sticks and marshmallows as part of a Clarkson Ignite event in the Educational Resources Center.

October 2021

During Ignite Fest, the Clarkson community is invited to learn about everything Ignite has to offer, including microcredentials.

Three students sit inside the Clarkson Ignite Cube conference room. Two sit at a table with their laptops open, the other sits across from them.

February 2022

The Shipley Center spins off, with Ashley Sweeney joining Ignite as its newest Director. Ignite retains the Cube during this transition.

Clarkson President Emeritus Tony Collins wears regalia and speaks at a lectern during Clarkson's annual Commencement Ceremony in Cheel Arena

May 2022

Following 40 episodes across a four-year run, the Ignite Podcast concludes with a farewell address from outgoing President Tony Collins.

Clarkson students gather to play a variety of games on the cheel hockey ice

October 2022

To celebrate the inauguration of Clarkson’s 17th President, students across campus construct a gigantic Rube Goldberg machine.

A large number of students pose together on a small stage while holding up signs for the prizes they won during the Annual President's Challenge

November 2023

An overhauled President’s Challenge encourages the entire student body to develop unique Clarkson collectibles.

Two Clarkson Ignite students sit at a desk and use tools while working on a large computer screen.

March 2024

Alongside the Dorf Makerspace receiving 18 new 3D printers, the Media Production Center is revamped into the Makers’ Loft.

A Clarkson student uses a hockey stick to hit a puck towards Clarkson's golden knight mascot in front of a group of onlookers.

September 2024

Ignite hosts New Knights Expo, a collaborative event introducing freshmen to the amazing resources found on campus.

Clarkson Ignite director Ashley Sweeney poses with three students, including one who is holding up a large fake check for winning an award during the Ignite Project Expo

November 2024

The inaugural Ignite Project Expo is held, seeing nearly 350 students present 93 distinct projects during an exciting day of events.

2 students working on a laptop at a table

January 2025

North Country Launch Day is introduced, with local student entrepreneurs teaming up for rapid venture development.

Ignite RAPs with a poster about ultrasound for detecting traumatic bleeding.

April 2025

With Ignite now at RAPS’ helm, the Spring 2025 occasion is the largest yet, seeing over 550 students present innovative work.

Learn More About Ignite

What’s next for Ignite? A bright future filled with innovation, entrepreneurship, and all things creativity. Stay tuned!

The Makerspace Student Entrepreneurship Ignite Project Expo Scholarships with Ignite

Scholarships with Ignite

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Scholarships with Ignite

Scholarships with Ignite

Igniting College Affordability

At Ignite, we believe that Clarkson’s collaborative, hands-on education should be accessible to all students, regardless of background or major. That’s why we offer two full-tuition scholarships to learners who demonstrate creativity, versatility, and a passion for innovation through all that they do. 

Ignite Presidential fellows taking a group photo in 2025

Ignite Presidential Fellows

Ignite Presidential Fellows (IPFs) envision bold solutions, drive meaningful change, and champion experiential learning. Challenging
the status quo is a defining characteristic of these students.

A male student smiles while pitching for a business, with the words “Oliver’s Premium Fish” shown on an electronic screen.

Young Innovators & Entrepreneurs

Only the brightest pioneers are deemed Young Innovators & Entrepreneurs (YIEs), students who develop and grow an impactful
business venture throughout their time at Clarkson.

A Community of Individuals

Having grown up in Vermont and attended high school in Canada, Justin Bouchard (DigArtSci, CompSci ‘27) was no stranger to the North Country climate. Attending Clarkson only required a brief road trip, a few hours from home.

For Jamona Blake (ChemE ‘27), who hails from Jamaica, travelling to Potsdam was a bit different - her first visit to campus was also her first time in the United States! Thanks to Clarkson’s International Center, she quickly found a community of peers with whom to create lasting memories.

Both Justin and Jamona are Ignite Presidential Fellows, allowing them to foster their individual passions and have a meaningful impact on the Clarkson community. Whether an IPF applicant is finishing high school, transferring from another university, or interested in The Clarkson School, they’re more than welcome in the Ignite family.

“Working in a tight-knit community with a culture of making has made my time at Clarkson an unforgettable experience," Justin said. "Being in a smaller group means everyone has the opportunity to play a large role, even as a first-year student. We all have our own ‘thing’, and Ignite gives us the flexibility and means to pursue that.”

Essential IPF Traits

Robert Davis giving a speech in the ERC

Extracurricular Excellence

Not only is Robert Davis (MechE ‘26) a member of the Lu Research Group, but he’s also an Olympic-caliber bobsledder!

Female student with virtual reality headset.

Personal Expression

For Vitesse Disney (E&M ‘27), digital content creation isn’t just a passion; it’s a way to express yourself holistically.

Beyond his coursework, Owen Compani (CivE ‘28) serves as the Vice President of Clarkson’s student-run EMS squad.

Meaningful Service

Beyond his coursework, Owen Compani (CivE ‘28, center in picture) serves as the Vice President of Clarkson’s student-run EMS squad.

Female student in front of beautiful setting.

Limitless Curiosity

Expanding the boundaries of the Clarkson community, Bryn Myers (I&E ‘25, MBA ‘26) spent an exciting semester in Paris, France.

Male student.

Constant Communication

What’s Mark Munro’s (Math & CompSci ‘27) advice for new students? “Talk to as many people as possible in your first month!”

Female student with equipment.

On-Campus Impact

In less than a year, Emma Cosgrove (MechE ‘28) has become a frequent visitor to Clarkson’s Machine Shop.

Dogs and Cats, Eating Together...

Does your dog dominate your cat’s eating space? Do hisses and growls over pet food cause strife for your whole family? Well now you’re in luck - because that’s the real-world problem Lily Clonan (Psych ‘25) aimed to solve when she received the Young Innovators & Entrepreneurs scholarship in 2022.

In the years since, she’s developed Fat Head Feeder, a carefully-crafted feeding station that is cost-effective, quick to assemble, and easily-usable by your pets! True to its name, the innovation prevents a dog’s “fat head” from accessing a cat’s private food stash, allowing owners to leave both pets unsupervised in harmony.

As a YIE, Lily’s business aspirations didn’t conclude with a completed product; they’ve only continued to grow while taking her idea to the next level. Thanks to a successful crowdfunding campaign and a grand-prize win at the 2023 North Country Regional Business Plan Competition, Fat Head Feeder is primed for success.

The range of entrepreneurial endeavors created by YIEs is expansive, with notable businesses including maple syrup producer Parker’s Real Maple, drone repair firm Eagle Eye Drones, skiing product influencer Sendy Paradise, and web design consultant North Shore Solutions. Maybe your idea will be on this list next!

Lily’s suggestion for young entrepreneurs? “Utilize the resources available to you at Clarkson! There are many valuable tools and support systems for growing your innovation, even if you’re starting with a small idea. Be sure to connect and collaborate with your peers, professors, and mentors - everyone is eager to help."

How Can You Apply?

Once you complete your undergraduate Clarkson application, the option to apply for the Ignite Presidential Fellowship and Young Innovators Entrepreneurs scholarships will appear in your portal. Feel free to contact your Admissions Counselor with any questions you have about these awards or Clarkson scholarships in general.

New IPFs and YIEs complete an exciting Pre-Orientation week of events, including a thrilling high ropes course.

The most common IPF and YIE activity? Having fun wherever possible.

Have you seen these students during a campus event? They’re IPFs giving back to Ignite.

A little recreation never hurt anyone, did it? Have no fear - the average IPF GPA is 3.6.

IPFs are never afraid of doing... whatever it is these guys are doing.

With each passing year comes the graduation of one class of IPFs and YIEs, as well as the introduction of another!

Learn More About Ignite

What’s next for Ignite? A bright future filled with innovation, entrepreneurship, and all things creativity. Stay tuned!

The Makerspace Student Entrepreneurship Ignite Project Expo Who Are We?

3 Minute Thesis

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3 Minute Thesis

The 3-Minute Thesis (3MT) is a research communication competition that challenges students to communicate the significance of their projects without the use of props or industry jargon, in just three minutes.

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